Taking Pictures at Disney

If you're reading this, then chances are you are getting ready to take a trip to Disney or have already taken a trip to the "happiest place on earth." Either way, you're lucky! The tips below should prove to be helpful when planning your trip. And don't forget to check our Disney punchies and themed Disney punchie sets.

Be sure to take your own film and LOTS of it. The last thing you want to do is run out and be forced to buy film in the parks where it is almost twice as expensive. If you're a scrapbooker, chances are you love to take pictures and buying extra film at home won't bother you because any leftover rolls from your trip will eventually be used. If you have a digital camera, just be sure you have additional memory cards or you may need to find a way to off-load the pictures you take along the way. Take extra batteries with you as well.

If this is a family trip, then by all means get family shots. Do not be afraid to ask a stranger to take a picture of you and your family. Disney cast members are always willing to help out with this too, so just ask.

Try to remember to take your sunglasses off for some of the photos.

Be sure to take pictures of signs. This includes the park entrance sign, signs for shows, signs for rides and signs to restaurants. Think about all of the great title pages you can make when you get back home.

You know those Kodak picture signs? Well, these really are great photo spots and you should take the time to visit each one you see to snap the shot.

Whether you are in your thirties or just a toddler, taking character pictures is fun for everyone. So, don't be shy when it comes to having your picture taken with the Disney characters. You'll find Mickey, Minnie, Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet, Goofy and more at Mickey's Toon Town Fair. This isn't to say that you won't find characters elsewhere - they can be found strolling the streets and in unexpected places throughout all of the parks. Always have your camera ready and be prepared to join in on the fun.

Disney is host to some of the most amazing parades you will ever see so be sure to take the time to get up front and watch the parade. Take pictures of everything you see, including the streets lined with all of the spectators, the cast members and characters and all of those parade floats.

Other fun shots include all of the little things that happen throughout the day such as: entering the parking lot and seeing all of the other cars and people, the entrance gate and purchasing your ticket, taking time out to eat, rest and wait in line. How about taking a shot of your toddler asleep in the stroller from a long, fun day. Catching all of these moments will add so much more to your scrapbook.

Disney's parks have some of the most amazing landscaping. Be sure to take pictures of those luscious gardens, beautiful fountains and all that surrounds you in the park.

You'll want to save everything and get extra copies of park maps. You can put these in your album and cut out pictures to use on your pages. Postcards, ticket stubs, brochures, restaurant napkins and even receipts should be saved and can be used in your scrapbook.

One thing's for sure... Disney has a ton of gift shops scattered throughout all of their parks. Take the time to go inside and buy postcards. You'll want postcards of all the big events and landmarks in case the photos you took weren't everything you thought they would be. If you get extra postcards, you can cut them up and use them as die cuts in your album.

Why not take a picture or two of your family shopping in the gift store? How about a shot of your child hugging the new Mickey plush doll you just bought her?

You'll want to keep your camera close at all times. Spontaneous shots are often the best photos in the end.

It's not silly to overshoot everything in hopes of getting a good shot. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. There really isn't any harm in taking more pictures than you need. Some say that Cinderella's Castle is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Don't think it's silly to take a dozen or more shots of the castle or any other landmark. In doing so, you should get at least one great shot to include in your scrapbook.

Lastly, have fun! Disney really is magical and creating a Disney scrapbook can help you preserve some of that magic.